Creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for both our staff and the people we support takes dedicated training, clear guidance and a passion for continuous learning. At the forefront of that effort at Springfield Healthcare is Paul Smith, our Training Manager and Health & Safety Coordinator.
With a background in training care teams and ensuring our home care services meet the highest safety standards, Paul plays a vital role in making sure every member of the Springfield family feels confident, supported and equipped to deliver exceptional care.
We sat down with Paul to chat about his role, how he has progressed in the care sector, and what sets Springfield’s training from the rest.
What is your role and what are your day-to-day tasks/duties?
My role at Springfield Healthcare is Training Manager and Health & Safety Coordinator. I run the training team and deliver training when required across all the locations within our Home Care service. I also make sure to keep myself up to date with all the current legislation around health and social care.
I carry out regular health and safety meetings with branch representatives and support with quarterly health and safety reports. I support operations by completing the annual CHAS application and carry out PAT testing all branches and training rooms.
What first attracted you to begin a career in care?
When I left the military, I was supporting veterans to get the help and support they needed. So, once I had left, I wanted to carry that on by helping and supporting people that could no longer look after themselves.
Describe how your career has progressed in the sector to get you where you are today?
I started at Springfield as a Supervisor in the York area. My natural progression would be to Care Coordinator but that was not for me. Instead, when a Branch Trainer role came up in York, I applied and was successful. I loved delivering training, bringing my experience to the role, and passing down my knowledge to the new starters.
Following this, I then progressed to Regional Trainer, which covered York, North Yorkshire and Hull. This allowed me to build positive relationships with all branches across the region.
I then applied for the Training Manager role and was successful. This role involves leading the training team, which I love, but also still delivering training. I now deliver training across all our locations and have built a fantastic rapport with all the branches.
In a sector as demanding as health and social care, why is continuous staff training and development so critical to the overall quality of care our clients receive?
Keeping our staff up to date is incredibly important as this ensures that those we support are kept safe but also maintain their independence. Person-centred care is number one for our clients.
What sets Springfield’s training apart from standard care sector training?
The feedback we receive from the new starters is always extremely positive, whether that be the depth of a trainer’s knowledge or putting on engaging, practical sessions, our training team’s expertise is second to none. Each member of the training team also has experience in delivering care which I think is very important as it is essential to pass this knowledge down to those you are supporting.
What is the biggest challenge in training care staff today, and how do you and your care staff overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges is probably retaining trainers, getting the right people working in the right locations, and ensuring they buy into and adopt the Springfield values, ethos and standards.
What do you enjoy most about working at Springfield?
I have been here for nearly 12 years and throughout my career at Springfield, what always stands out is the family atmosphere, and the warm welcome we get at all the branches we deliver training to. We look after each other and help and support is only a phone call away. If you are ever struggling, there is always someone to speak to.
What unique skills and experiences do you bring to the Springfield team?
I served 23 years in the military and for 8 of those I was delivering training to a wide scope of soldiers, from young privates to officers who had served for over 20 years, so I have seen it all. Having said that, every day is a learning day, and I have a great team behind me.
What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in pursuing a similar role within the care sector?
Go for it! It is a truly rewarding job and there is no better feeling after an induction where all the new starters are happy and raring to get out there and deliver care. In the same breath, it is good to see the new starters a year on during refresher training to learn more about their progress and hearing their stories.
When you aren’t at work, how do you like to spend your time?
Physical exercise of any form, with running being my main passion. This year I have completed several 10ks, a couple of half marathons and a full marathon. Later this year I will be completing an ultra-marathon and a Backyard Ultra. I also like to socialise, and I attend Andy’s Man Club once a week.
Paul and his training team ensure our staff feel confident, valued and fully equipped to deliver exceptional care in our communities. Whether he’s leading an induction or supporting health and safety across our branches, Paul embodies the supportive ethos that makes Springfield Healthcare such a great place to work.
Our comprehensive care packages range from flexible homecare and live-in support to expert complex care and care in our beautiful care homes, ensuring we can meet your requirements at any stage. You can feel confident knowing our expert team is fully prepared and dedicated to providing high-quality, tailored support for every unique care need. Get in touch today to discuss how Springfield can support you in your care journey.
